ROCHESTER -- The last time, which was also the first time, Oakland met Summit League newcomer Omaha, the Mavericks didn't play like a team new to the conference. They did eventually succumb, however, to a lengthy Grizzlies run, but held Oakland without a field goal in the game's final 5:30 in a 12-point Oakland victory.

"It's unbelievable what (Omaha coach Derrin Hansen) has done in his first year," Kampe said. "You have to give him and his kids a ton of credit. You go through a league the first time without knowing people ... they've done a heck of a job.

"They may even be the favorite the way they're playing."

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The Mavericks have won three straight and four of their last six games, while Oakland has won three of its last four games.

The suffocating full-court defense the Grizzlies used to force 15 turnovers against a typically secure Western Illinois, is expected to be back on display Saturday at Ralston Arena.

"That was predetermined before the Western Illinois game," Kampe said. "We're going to go with some full-court pressure.

"I'd like to have a series from one timeout to the next timeout where we play that way."

Oakland, one of the nation's best teams at creating steals, scored 36 points off 20 Omaha turnovers in their first meeting.

The Grizzlies are in the midst of a full week off after beating conference leader Western Illinois to move to 5-4 in Summit League play. Kampe noted his team tends to play strong defense for the game's first 10-15 minutes, but tends to come up empty-handed on aggressive plays once fatigue sets in. He was able to experiment with giving players time off of practice this week.

"It was really good for us, especially (Travis) Bader," Kampe said. "I know he had a big week, but he looked really tired late in those games. Really worn down.

"I thought it was really good mentally to get a break and get away from the grind."

Bader is the Summit League Player of the Week after scoring a Division I season-high 47 points in a win over IUPUI last week. He followed that up with 26 points against Western Illinois.

Bader leads the league in minutes played per game (38.4) and was one of four Oakland starters to play more than 32 minutes (39) in Saturday's win over the Leathernecks.

Bader still leads the nation in 3-pointers made (99). He's scored 20 or more points in five of his last six games, and 12 total. He doesn't have many bad games, but he knows if and when he does, his teammates will be there to compensate.

"Even if I'm having an off-night, these guys are going to step it up and get it done," he said.

Bader acknowledged his outburst will only cause further defensive scrutiny by opposing coaches.

"People aren't going to want to let me get open," he said. "When people hear you scored 47, they take it as something personal and try and lock you up. I know more pressure is coming, but I trust my teammates. They're going to do a great job of screening me and getting me open. The more pressure I get, the better it is for the rest of the team because there's going to be an open court and more people open."

After winning three of four at home, Oakland visits the Mavericks Saturday before returning home to face North Dakota State (8-2) Thursday and South Dakota State (8-2) Feb. 9. The Bison and Jackrabbits are in a three-way tie atop the Summit League standings with Western Illinois (8-2).

Saturday's game tips off at 2 p.m. and can be heard on WDFN-AM (1130).